Corey Harris, born February 21, 1969, in Denver, Colorado, is a celebrated blues and reggae musician known for blending traditional blues with reggae and African influences. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Harris has become a key figure in acoustic blues, earning widespread acclaim for his innovative approach.

After graduating from Bates College in 1991, Harris received a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to study in Cameroon, an experience that deeply influenced his music. He began his recording career with the 1995 album Between Midnight and Day, a tribute to blues legends like Muddy Waters and Bukka White. His follow-up, Fish Ain’t Bitin’, won the 1997 W.C. Handy Award for Best Acoustic Blues Album, showcasing his skill as a songwriter and performer.

In 2002, Harris collaborated with Malian guitarist Ali Farka Touré on Mississippi to Mali, exploring the connections between Delta blues and West African music. He also appeared in Martin Scorsese’s PBS series The Blues in 2003, further solidifying his reputation as a genre ambassador.

Harris has toured extensively worldwide, both as a solo artist and with his electric band. His contributions to projects like Billy Bragg and Wilco’s Mermaid Avenue albums and tributes to Johnny Cash highlight his versatility. In 2007, he was named a MacArthur Fellow, recognizing his efforts to preserve and innovate within the blues tradition.

With a career spanning decades, Corey Harris continues to captivate audiences by bridging cultural and musical divides, keeping the blues alive and evolving.

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